Using hot rollers to style your hair may seem old fashioned, but there's a good reason why this technique has been around for so long. Rollers create natural-looking curls that cascade elegantly to your shoulders. Learn how to use them to create classic curls, bouncy waves, and ringlets.

Steps

Method1

Classic Curls

1

Get the rollers ready. Go ahead and plug in the hot rollers so that they're fully heated by the time you're ready to put them in your hair. If this is your first time using your set of rollers, read the manufacturer's instructions to make sure you use the equipment properly.

2

Spray your hair with gentle hold hairspray. Start with dry hair, since your hair won't hold curls if you use this method with wet hair. Spray your hair all over with hairspray, which will help define your curls as the hot rollers go to work.

3

Divide your hair into three sections.[1] Dividing your hair into sections can help you manage the rollers and make sure everything gets curled properly, especially if your hair is very long and thick. Divide it into three sections: a middle section, a left section and a right section. You can achieve this by using a comb to create two parts, one on either side of your head, and holding the different sections apart with hair clips.

4

Roll the middle section.[2] Starting in the front, take a section of hair and wrap it around the first roller. Roll your hair back toward your head so that the front of your hair pulls away from your forehead and over the roller.[3] Secure the roller in place with a roller pin of the appropriate size. Continue rolling your hair until you've rolled the entire middle section of hair.

Roll your hair in different directions if you don't want uniform curls. Roll some sections of hair forward and some sections of hair backward. This will result in curls that look more natural.

For small, tight curls, be sure to use the smaller rollers in your set. Use medium rollers for larger classic curls.

5

Roll the side sections. Start at the top of your head and wrap a section of hair around a hot roller. Roll it tightly toward your head so that it rests horizontally just above your forehead, then pin it in place with a pin of the appropriate size. Continue rolling sections of hair, working your way down your head to your neck. Repeat with the hair on the other side of your head until all of your hair has been rolled.

6

Spray your hair and let the curls set. Use firm-hold hairspray to spray your entire head, making sure to cover every roller. This will ensure that your curls stay intact when you take down the rollers. Keep the rollers in your hair until they are completely cool, about 20 minutes.

7

Remove the rollers. Take off the pins and let your curls fall away from the rollers. Use your fingers to separate and fluff up your curls. For added hold, spray your hair once more with hair spray.

Method2

Bouncy Waves

1

Heat the rollers. For loose, bouncy waves, plan on using the biggest rollers you have. Plug in your roller set and let it heat thoroughly while you prep your hair for this rolling technique.

2

Run mousse through your hair. Rub mousse between your palms and smooth it into your hair while it is dry. This will help your hair retain its shape as the hot rollers work.

3

Separate your hair into sections. The method for creating bouncy waves is similar to the method for creating classic curls. Use a comb to separate your hair into three sections: a middle section, a left section, and a right section. Hold the three sections apart using hair clips.

4

Roll the middle section. Take the front section of your hair and place it over a large hot roller. Roll the hair back toward your forehead, so that the hair pulls away from your forehead and the curler rests horizontally on the top of your head. Use a roller pin to hold it in place. Continue rolling hair from the middle section until you've worked your way back to the nape of your neck.

For loose, bouncy waves, try rolling your hair in different directions. Roll some hair up, and some down, so that the waves will look loose and natural.[4]

You can also try using different sized rollers in different areas to create waves of different sizes.

5

Roll the side sections. Working from the top of your head, roll a section of hair with the hot roller. Pin it in place, then continue to the section of hair just below the roller. Keep rolling hair until you've reached the bottom of your hairline. Repeat on the other section of your head. Your hair should now be completely rolled.

6

Mist your hair with hairspray and let the curls set. Use a gentle hold spray to mist your hair as the rollers set. Let them stay in your hair until they are completely cool, which should take about twenty minutes.

7

Remove the rollers and brush out your hair. Remove the pins from the rollers and loosen your hair. Use your fingers or a brush to gently brush out the curls into waves. Smooth mousse through your hair to keep your bouncy waves in place all day.

Method3

Ringlets

1

Heat up the rollers. For ringlets, you'll need the smallest rollers you can find. If your set comes with only larger rollers, see if you can borrow more small rollers from a friend, or buy an extra package from the store. Plug in the roller set and let it heat while you get your hair ready to make ringlets.

2

Spray your hair with hairspray. While your hair is dry, spray it all over with a liberal amount of hairspray. This will keep the curls tight as they form over the hot rollers.

3

Divide your hair into sections. Dividing your hair into three sections will make it easier to create ringlets. Make a middle section with two side sections. Use a comb to create a part on either side of your hair and separate the sections, then keep them apart using large hair clips.

4

Roll the center section. To create ringlets, roll your hair up vertically, rather than horizontally. Gather a small section of hair from just above your forehead. Hold the hot roller at the tips of your hair and roll down to the top of your head, so that the roller points from front to back instead of side to side. Repeat with the next section of hair and work your way all the way down to the neck. Create as many vertical rows of rollers as necessary to roll up all of your hair.

5

Roll the side sections. Roll your hair in vertical rows extending from the top of your head, behind your ears and down to your neck. Roll up all of the hair on one side, then repeat on the other side. All of your hair should now be rolled up in vertical rows.

6

Spray your hair with hairspray and let the curls set. Use extra-hold hairspray to spray your hair all over. Keep the rollers in until they are completely cool, about 20 minutes.

7

Remove the rollers. Carefully remove the pins that hold the rollers in place and let your curls fall away. As you undo the rollers, you'll see that your hair has curled into tight, shiny ringlets. Simply scrunch some gel or a bit more hairspray into your hair with your fingers. Don't brush your hair, or the ringlets will fall apart.

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